Bolts Promote Downie, Ramo, and Helenius

In a series of back-to-back promotions with the Lightning system, Tampa Bay Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced on Monday that the Bolts have recalled prospect forward Steve Downie[7] from the Norfolk Admirals. In addition, the Lightning announced that they also recalled prospect goaltender Karri Ramo[8] from the Admirals to Tampa on an emergency basis.

Downie's recall was expected, with the Lightning indicating last week that he would be recalled after the NHL All-Star break -- a move that would prevent him from participating in the AHL All-Star game Monday night. However, Ramo's emergency recall was a bit of a surprise, as the St. Pete Times reported on Monday that Tampa veteran netminder Olaf Kolzig[9] suffered a setback during the All-Star break with respect to his injured left arm, and was placed back on IR.

With Ramo recalled to Tampa, the Lightning announced on Tuesday that prospect goaltender Riku Helenius[10] has been reassigned from Mississippi (ECHL) to Norfolk to back up Admirals goalie Mike McKenna[11]. Helenius was assigned to the Gulf Coast last Friday, backing up Sea Wolves and former Bolt prospect goaltender Ryan Munce in two weekend games but seeing no game action.